Boldly Taking the Challenge of Quality Improvement to Clinical Learning Environments.

Mrs Alison Sayer¹, Mrs Erin Mcleod¹

¹Royal Hobart Hospital, Hospitals-South, Hobart, Australia

Abstract

21st century nurses are at the forefront of quality improvement activities, transforming clinical and public health environments to improve patient safety and healthcare standards. The important role of the nurse to assess and evaluate complex problems provides the opportunity for evidence-based practice to be applied and ensures healthcare practice evolves in keeping with current societal need.

This presentation will explore what is possible if the nursing profession viewed the practice placements of our future workforce in the same way.  Approaches for teaching and supervising student nurses in the clinical setting have changed little in 50 years. This is despite documented evidence that supports the positive effect of best practice learning environments on recruitment, retention, and workforce readiness of graduate nurses.

As healthcare organisations look at different ways of attracting and retaining nurses, a critical review of the quality of our student placement experience should be included as there is potential for significant benefits for future workforce planning.

Hospital South has boldly taken the challenge to their clinical areas by adopting the Best Practice Clinical Learning Environment Framework (BPCLE)® and associated tool. This tool was developed in collaboration with the Victorian Government in recognition of the evident importance of quality clinical placement experience for improved succession and workforce planning. Nurses have a crucial role to play at the forefront of positive change. The opportunity such an approach presents is valuable, not only in the current climate of nursing shortages, but toward education provider collaboration and evidence of Pathway to Excellence Values®.

Biography:

Alison Sayer is the Clinical Nurse Educator for Transition at THS South. Alison is responsible for nursing student placement experience and transitioning nurses from overseas.  Alison trained in London UK and has 20 years’ experience in acute care, she is completing her post graduate Clinical Teaching and Learning Diploma. Alison has an interest in workforce strategy and leadership development. Alison is passionate about passing professional values and education to the next generation of nurses. She mentors for the NMBA and conducts the THS South Preceptorship Workshop within a practice development framework.